You apply a cream, put on a new outfit, enjoy the scent of a perfume... and without realizing it, you’re exposing your body to substances that can disrupt your hormones. These substances are called endocrine disruptors or hormone disruptors.

In this article,Shinncare explains where these disruptors are hiding, how they affect your health, and how you can protect yourself from them every day. By the end of this article, endocrine disruptors will no longer be a mystery to you!

What are endocrine disruptors?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endocrine disruptors are“substances that are foreign to the body and can interfere with the functioning of the endocrine system, thereby causing harmful effects on the body.”

These are substances, whether chemical or natural, that disrupt the endocrine systemof humans, animals, and plants.

There are three categories:

Artificially created substances that affect hormones, such as contraceptives.
Man-made chemicals intended for other purposes, such as hardening plastic, but which can unintentionally affect our endocrine system.
Natural substances found in plants that can disrupt hormones, especially when consumed in excess.

Where are endocrine disruptors found?

Endocrine disruptors can be found virtually everywhere: in packaging, cosmetics, and food, but also in natural environments such as the air, water, and soil, mainly as a result ofhuman pollution.

So we are constantly exposed to small amounts of EV emissions throughout our lives.

We can be exposed to endocrine disruptors in four different ways:

Through the mouth, by eating EVs in food
Through the skin, through the application of cosmetics or contact with substances containing EVs
Through the respiratory system, if EV’s are present in the air or in perfumes
Before birth, via the placenta

How do they work?

EVs have three operating mechanisms:

By binding to hormone receptors, which prevents real hormones from doing their job
By disrupting hormone production, which affects the organs and enzymes that release hormones
By altering the sensitivity or expression of hormone receptors, which increases or decreases their activity

An EV can combine multiple mechanisms of action and affect the hormonal system at various levels.

What are the risks?

It is believed that endocrine disruptors are involved in the development of various health problems (hormone-related cancers in women, prostate cancer in men, thyroid disorders, etc.).

Emerging evidence also suggests that they may contribute to conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, although these links are less clear.

Furthermore, EVs can have “epigenetic” effects (e.g., influencing DNA methylation and histone modification), which means that their effects on the body can be passed on to future generations. One example is DES, the main ingredient in a drug prescribed to pregnant women between 1948 and 1977 to prevent premature births. DES was found to cause reproductive system abnormalities that could be passed down for up to three generations.

Some EVs may seem harmless in small quantities, but when combined with other disruptors, they can have cumulative and dangerous effects. This is known as the “cocktail effect.”

These diseases can develop years after exposure, a phenomenon known as the “delayed effect.”

When are we most vulnerable?

There are “critical periods” in our lives when we are most vulnerable to environmental toxins and when these substances have the strongest effect. Special attention should be paid to:

Pregnancy: Many environmental toxins can cross the placenta—such as bisphenol A (BPA), dioxins, etc.—and reach the developing fetus, posing risks such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and metabolic changes that lead to diabetes and obesity.
Early childhood: Exposure to EVs at a young age can have consequences decades later, due to the delayed effect mentioned above.
Adolescence, and puberty in particular: During this period, many hormonal changes take place, making the body particularly susceptible to disruption.

How can you protect yourself from endocrine disruptors?

In everyday life:

There are simple daily habits you can adopt to limit your exposure to EVs:

Ventilate your home regularly
Avoid using insecticides
Choose cleaning products with an eco-label
Use glass, stainless steel, and cast iron instead of plastic
Avoid heating plastic packaging
Choose clothing made from natural fibers
...

In the bathroom:

The main endocrine disruptors in cosmetic products are parabens (preservatives), alkylphenols (emulsifiers), and silicones.

To avoid products containing EV, you can:

Choose products with fewer ingredients
Selecting products with safety labels
Check the ingredients in your products using apps like INCI Beauty or Yuka
Avoid perfumed products
...

Did you know? The ingredients inShinncare products are certified with the Ecocert COSMOS labeland other certifications, and the products score exceptionally highon INCI Beauty andYuka. Plus, our Protect & Repair intimate oil spray is Protect & Repair for use on babies. They’re also all available in an unscented version. So you can use them with complete peace of mind!